MANILA, Philippines – President Benigno Aquino III accepted the resignation of Vice President Jejomar Binay from the cabinet on Monday, June 22.

Presidential Communications Operations Office secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma Jr. said Aquino received Binay’s resignation letter through Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa, Jr.

There were no personal interactions between Aquino and Binay, as Aquino only confirmed the resignation through a phone call with the Vice President.

“Secretary Ochoa gave the letter to the President, following which the President called up Vice President Binay to confirm his resignation.  Secretary Ochoa will formalize acceptance of the Vice President’s resignation,” Coloma said in a statement.

Ochoa is associated with the Samar faction that carried over from the 2010 presidential campaign, the bloc that supposedly supported Binay in the elections under the banner of “Noy-Bi.” 

Once the resignation is formalized, Binay will relinquish his posts as housing czar and presidential adviser for overseas Filipino workers concerns.

The resignation came hours after a Pulse Asia survey showed Binay remains the most trusted official in government. He also has the highest approval rating. The same survey shows he also has the highest disapproval rating.  

Sources from Binay’s camp told Rappler his resignation has more to do with politics than answering graft accusations. 

Binay ally and UNA spokesman JV Bautista said Binay will focus on campaigning for the 2016 presidential elections. The Vice President has long announced his desire to run for higher office and has been doing the rounds of different provinces. – Rappler.com